City Comparison
Elizabethtown vs Hopkinsville
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elizabethtown scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elizabethtown
Hopkinsville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hopkinsville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
2% lower than in Elizabethtown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elizabethtown's average rent is
16% higher than Hopkinsville's.
| Metric | Elizabethtown | Hopkinsville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $989 | +16% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $165 | $218 | -24% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $250 | -16% |
| Monthly Total | $2,015 | $1,977 | +2% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hopkinsville offers 14% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hopkinsville delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elizabethtown is estimated at
$46,000 vs $45,000 in Hopkinsville.
| Metric | Elizabethtown | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $62,602 |
| Salary Needed | $46,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,364 idx | 73,649 idx |
| Household Income | $61,500 | $49,139 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Elizabethtown runs warmer on average — a 59.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Elizabethtown comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Elizabethtown sees 7.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elizabethtown | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 87.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 29.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 59.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 7.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Elizabethtown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elizabethtown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elizabethtown | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elizabethtown is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Hopkinsville.
From a growth perspective, Elizabethtown is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elizabethtown has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elizabethtown | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,150 | 30,395 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | — |
| Median Age | 39.0 | 34.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 5.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elizabethtown
Advantages
Lower cost of living compared to the US national average
Proximity to Fort Knox supporting local employment and diverse community dynamics
Growing healthcare sector anchored by the expanded Baptist Health Hardin
Abundant outdoor recreation spaces like Freeman Lake Park and Nature Park
Convenient regional access via Interstate 65 with direct routes to Louisville
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public transportation infrastructure
Lower average salary benchmarks compared to major national metropolitan hubs
High annual rainfall totals averaging 59.3 inches per year
Limited nightlife and high-end entertainment options for younger demographics
Housing inventory can experience tightness during peak relocation seasons
Hopkinsville
Advantages
The cost of living in Hopkinsville is notably lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Median home prices in Hopkinsville were up 4.6% year-over-year as of May 2026, indicating a growing housing market.
The city offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a strong community vibe.
Hopkinsville provides convenient access to Fort Campbell and Clarksville, offering additional amenities and employment opportunities.
The average rent in Hopkinsville is significantly lower than the national average, making it affordable for renters.
Drawbacks
Hopkinsville's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average, with a safety grade of C-.
The city has a higher crime rate than 85% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Some residents report a limited nightlife and few decent dining options, with many establishments closing early.
There are concerns about a 'Good Ol Boy' system in local businesses and difficulty retaining new businesses.
The city's population is projected to be declining annually, with a -1.13% growth rate from 2025-2026.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Elizabethtown
#127Kentucky, USA
66.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
59.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
69
Hopkinsville
#548Kentucky, USA
48.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$989
Avg Salary
$62,602
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
30.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.90%
Livability
70
Business
60
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Elizabethtown and Hopkinsville.
Open Cost Calculator